Dining at the recently under new ownership, Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone in Collingswood, is no ordinary night out. In fact, Owner and Executive Chef Michael DeLone won’t serve his patrons chicken parm and fettuccine Alfredo. Instead, they should expect classic Italian dishes with a sophisticated twist.
The name Nunzio may sound familiar to locals, but it’s important to know this is a totally different restaurant. Chef Michael kept the name as a tribute to his mentor, Chef Nunzio Patruno, but the similarities stop there. Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone focuses exclusively on elevated, specialty Italian cuisine. For example, Chef Michael invests in purchasing real truffles to accentuate his dishes and unlock new tastes and flavors. Likewise, the menu boldly includes unique options such as braised rabbit ragout cavatelli.
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An Upscale Take on Italian Classics
At Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone, the menu includes luxurious options such as seafood capriccio in a saffron lobster broth; as well as house-made gnocchi with prosciutto cotto in white and black truffle cream. All pasta is made in house, including favorites like squid ink spaghetti with lobster, zucchini, squash, and tomato broth. Another popular choice is the pappardelle, with roasted pork shoulder, prosciutto, broccoli rabe, and parmigiana.
Chef Michael also offers a rotating seasonal menu at Nunzio. For instance, their fall menu features duck breast with roasted squash risotto, sour cherry glace and fried leeks. Another fall special is the 22-ounce veal porterhouse with bean ragout, roasted tomatoes, spinach, mushroom, green peppercorn vinaigrette, and gorgonzola. Click here to see the full menu.
Chef Michael says the mussels with Calabrian chili in tomato broth and garlic bread are his favorite starter. But he also loves the octopus with potato salad, nduja, chili oil, garlic aioli, and fried basil. As for his entree of choice, he enjoys the roasted salmon with basil farro, zucchini, and tomato olive vinaigrette.
About the Restaurant
Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone is a BYOB and can seat 140 diners. They also host private events, holiday parties, family gatherings, birthdays, engagements, and more. The space has both semi-private and fully private dining areas, or patrons can just reserve the entire restaurant. Their most exclusive dinner experience is in the private dining room inside the restaurant’s kitchen. This unique dinner includes off-menu surprises, flavors, and pairings all crafted by Chef Michael himself. The dinner includes a five-course chef menu and wine pairing for six to 12 guests.
The space still has the original décor from the previous Nunzio Ristorante, but Chef Michael plans to update it. “I plan on changing the design to reflect more of my own simple and refined style,” he says.
Nunzio can also travel, thanks to off-premises catering. Their options include buffet, formal, business, and family-style menus and service packages.
Visit Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone at 706 Haddon Ave in Collingswood. (Click here to find them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.
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Nunzio BYOB FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
Nunzio offers vegetarian options yes.
They do offer takeout, yes.
Yes, they deliver via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
No, they are BYOB.
Yes, they have a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone
